COVID-19 Updates & Response
Northland Community & Technical College and the Minnesota State System Office are closely monitoring the developing situation related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to taking the steps necessary to protect the health and well-being of our students, our faculty, and our staff.
This page is intended to provide information about COVID-19 as it relates directly to Northland. This is a constantly changing situation. For the most up-to-date information, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Minnesota Department of Health, and the North Dakota Department of Health.
As of this date, this information is correct. Please check back frequently as this is a dynamic and fluid situation. We also recommend you monitor your Northland email daily to receive all updates.
Updates
Northland is making masks optional for students, employees, and visitors inside campus facilities starting Monday, March 7.
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Sites will run in Crookston, East Grand Forks, and McIntosh this week. Prior registration is preferred, but not required. Testing is available at no cost, and test results will be available the same day. To schedule an appointment, visit our website: http://www.co.polk.mn.us/536/COVID-19-Rapid-Testing-Sites.
If you need assistance registering, please call 218.281.3385.
With the highly transmissible Omicron variant, cloth masks are not advised to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At least a three-ply surgical mask should be worn, with KN95 or N95 masks offering the best protection. Three-ply masks are available at the campus front desk if you need them.
As of Tuesday, August 10, 2021, masks/face covering will be required inside all public spaces on all Northland campus locations. Employees, students, and visitors, including contractors and vendors, are required to wear a face covering in public indoor settings inside college facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. We encourage you to get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.
Minnesota State is following the guidance from the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health on vaccinations of our students and employees. All state workers, including all Northland employees, must either be fully vaccinated or be tested for COVID every week beginning September 8.
For more information on this and how to find a vaccine location, please visit mn.gov/covid19/.
Social Distancing and Other Safety Precautions
While 3-6 feet of social distancing is no longer required, it remains strongly recommended. We are encouraging all students, employees, and guests to continue to practice social distancing to the extent possible. We further recommend washing your hands often, using the cleaning materials available throughout campus, and staying home if you’re not feeling well.
Emergency Grants for Students
The federal government has provided Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) resources for higher education institutions to help address the immediate and urgent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our students and colleges. This new federal law provides the U.S. Department of Education funds to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the coronavirus. To date, Congress has issued funds three times to institutions of higher education. These funds intend to support our students whose lives and education has been impacted by the pandemic.
- ARP: American Rescue Plan (HEERF III)
- CARES ACT: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
- CRRSAA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II)